Troopship Nubia Leaving Harbour (1899)

An actuality film of the P&O troopship Nubia departing Southampton for the Boer War in South Africa on 21st October 1899. War had been declared on the 11th October so this departure forms part of a number of chartered ships leaving from around Britain every day. According to the BFI programme notes, the Nubia docked at Cape Town on 13 Nov 1899, after sailing for 23 days. The soldiers onboard included the 1st Battaliion Scots Guards and 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire regiment. These soldiers first saw action 10 days after docking on 23rd November at the Battle of Belmont. This film was made and distributed by the Fuerst Brothers in London.